In addition to your credit score, your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is an important part of your overall financial health. Calculating your DTI may help you determine how comfortable you are with your current debt, and also decide whether applying for credit is the right choice for you.
When you apply for credit, lenders evaluate your DTI to help determine the risk associated with you taking on another payment. Use the information below to calculate your own debt-to-income ratio and understand what it means to lenders.
How to calculate your debt-to-income ratio
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) compares how much you owe each month to how much you earn. Specifically, it’s the percentage of your gross monthly income (before taxes) that goes towards payments for rent, mortgage, credit cards, or other debt. To calculate your debt-to-income ratio:
Step 1:
Add up your monthly bills which may include:
- Monthly rent or house payment
- Monthly alimony or child support payments
- Student, auto, and other monthly loan payments
- Credit card monthly payments (use the minimum payment)
- Other debts
Note: Expenses like groceries, utilities, gas, and your taxes generally are not included. See the FAQs for more information.
Step 2:
Divide the total by your gross monthly income, which is your income before taxes.
Step 3:
The result is your DTI, which will be in the form of a percentage. The lower the DTI, the less risky you are to lenders. For more information, see Understand what your ratio means.
Use our calculator to check your debt-to-income ratio
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This calculator is for educational purposes only and is not a denial or approval of credit.
When you apply for credit, your lender may calculate your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio based on verified income and debt amounts, and the result may differ from the one shown here.
You do not need to share alimony, child support, or separate maintenance income unless you want it considered when calculating your result.
If you receive income that is nontaxable, it may be upwardly adjusted to account for the nontaxable status.
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FAQs
To calculate your DTI, you add up all your monthly debt payments and divide them by your gross monthly income.
Can I calculate my debt-to-income ratio? ›
To calculate your DTI, you add up all your monthly debt payments and divide them by your gross monthly income.
Is 12% a good debt-to-income ratio? ›
35% or less is generally viewed as favorable, and your debt is manageable. You likely have money remaining after paying monthly bills. 36% to 49% means your DTI ratio is adequate, but you have room for improvement. Lenders might ask for other eligibility requirements.
What is a good debt-to-income ratio for banks? ›
A general rule of thumb is to keep your overall debt-to-income ratio at or below 43%. This is seen as a wise target because it's the maximum debt-to-income ratio at which you're eligible for a Qualified Mortgage —a type of home loan designed to be stable and borrower-friendly.
How do I find my debt-to-income ratio Experian? ›
Divide your total monthly debt payments by your gross income. Gross income is your pay before taxes and other deductions are taken out. Multiply the resulting number by 100 to express your DTI as a percentage.
What is a realistic debt-to-income ratio? ›
35% or less: Looking Good - Relative to your income, your debt is at a manageable level. You most likely have money left over for saving or spending after you've paid your bills. Lenders generally view a lower DTI as favorable.
How much is too much debt-to-income ratio? ›
A good debt-to-income ratio is less than or equal to 36%. Any debt-to-income ratio above 43% is considered to be too much debt.
Is a 3% debt-to-income ratio good? ›
Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is how much money you earn versus what you spend. It's calculated by dividing your monthly debts by your gross monthly income. Generally, it's a good idea to keep your DTI ratio below 43%, though 35% or less is considered “good.”
Is a 7% debt-to-income ratio good? ›
DTI is one factor that can help lenders decide whether you can repay the money you have borrowed or take on more debt. A good debt-to-income ratio is below 43%, and many lenders prefer 36% or below. Learn more about how debt-to-income ratio is calculated and how you can improve yours.
What is the average debt-to-income ratio in the US? ›
The Federal Reserve tracks the nation's household debt payments as a percentage of disposable income. The most recent debt payment-to-income ratio, from the third quarter of 2023, is 9.8%. That means the average American spends nearly 10% of their monthly income on debt payments.
How do you lower your debt-to-income ratio?
- Increase the amount you pay monthly toward your debts. ...
- Ask creditors to reduce your interest rate, which would lead to savings that you could use to pay down debt.
- Avoid taking on more debt.
- Look for ways to increase your income.
Monthly Payments Not Included in the Debt-to-Income Formula
Many of your monthly bills aren't included in your debt-to-income ratio because they're not debts. These typically include common household expenses such as: Utilities (garbage, electricity, cell phone/landline, gas, water) Cable and internet.
What is the 28 36 rule? ›
According to the 28/36 rule, you should spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing and no more than 36% on all debts. Housing costs can include: Your monthly mortgage payment. Homeowners Insurance. Private mortgage insurance.
Which on-time payment will actually improve your credit score? ›
Paying off your credit card balance every month is one of the factors that can help you improve your scores. Companies use several factors to calculate your credit scores. One factor they look at is how much credit you are using compared to how much you have available.
Do personal loans affect your debt-to-income ratio? ›
If you get a personal loan at a lower interest rate than you had been paying, you will reduce your overall debt load and lower your DTI.
How do I calculate my debt-to-income ratio on credit Karma? ›
How to calculate your debt-to-income ratio. To calculate your DTI, add up the total of all of your monthly debt payments and divide this amount by your gross monthly income, which is typically the amount of money you make before taxes and other deductions each month.
What is a good debt-to-income ratio to buy a house? ›
According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., lenders typically want the front-end ratio to be no more than 25% to 28% of your monthly gross income. The back-end ratio includes housing expenses plus long-term debt. Lenders prefer to see this number at 33% to 36% of your monthly gross income.
Do you include utilities in the debt-to-income ratio? ›
What payments should not be included in debt-to-income ratio? Expand. The following payments should not be included: Monthly utilities, like water, garbage, electricity or gas bills.
What is a good debt ratio? ›
If your debt ratio does not exceed 30%, the banks will find it excellent. Your ratio shows that if you manage your daily expenses well, you should be able to pay off your debts without worry or penalty. A debt ratio between 30% and 36% is also considered good.
